# The Pitt Panthers (3-5) take on Syracuse (2-6) Saturday at Heinz Field. The game will be the Big East Game of the week. It will be televised locally at Noon by WTAE-TV. Dave Sims will handle the play-by-play while former Panther quarterback John Congemi will once again handle the color.

# The Pitt-Syracuse series is one of the oldest on the East Coast, dating back to 1916. The Panthers trail in the all-time series 30-29-3 but have won 4 of the last 5 meetings including a 21-11 win last year at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse. It will be the 63rd meeting between these long-time rivals.

# In recent years most of the games with the Orange have been very competitive and close. In the past 36 games since 1971, 15 games have been decided by one touchdown or less.

# This year Pitt is a 12-point favorite.

# Freshman running back LeSean McCoy gained over 100 yards this past Saturday against Louisville. This gives McCoy five 100-yard games this year, tying him with Steve Slaton of West Virginia and Ray Rice of Rutgers for the league lead in 100-yard games.

# LeSean McCoy is ranked No. 2 in the Big East rushing with 115.6 yards per game. Only Rice (142.6) has a higher average within the league. McCoy ranks No. 17 nationally.